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The Brooklyn Nets came close to securing their 2021 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals berth but fell short in Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets lost 111-115 even after forcing overtime, marking one of the most disappointing losses in their playoff run thus far.
With the win, the Milwaukee Bucks brought an end to the Brooklyn Nets' unbeaten run at home in the 2021 NBA playoffs. It was also a record-breaking night, as the Bucks registered their first Game 7 victory on the road in their history.
Bruce Brown's return to the starting lineup paid rich dividends early in the game, as he set hard screens for Kevin Durant. Brown also registered ten points and three assists in the first half. However, things slowed down for the Brooklyn Nets as they looked only to Kevin Durant for production.
Khris Middleton has struggled on the road in this series and did so again, going a dismal 2 of 11 in the first half. He turned things around in the second, though. Middleton redeemed himself by making the shot that gave the Milwaukee Bucks the separation late in overtime.
Both teams registered 20 lead changes. But the Brooklyn Nets super team failed to close out the game despite holding the lead with one minute left on the clock.
On that note, let's take a look at five reasons why the Brooklyn Nets lost against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
#1 The Brooklyn Nets were dominated by the Milwaukee Bucks on the offensive glass
It is unclear why Steve Nash left DeAndre Jordan on the bench throughout the series and decided to play small. The Brooklyn Nets were punished for that by the Milwaukee Bucks and were dominated in the paint.
Although Bruce Brown showed impressive hustle play and rebounding despite being 6' 4" tall, he was no match for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. The total rebound tally was close, 48-46 in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks. But that was because Lopez spent a fair amount of time on the perimeter, and Antetokounmpo was attempting 3s.
Nevertheless, the Milwaukee Bucks did a great job getting second-chance buckets as they finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds compared to the Brooklyn Nets' 11.
#2 Joe Harris' shooting struggle continues for the Brooklyn Nets
Joe Harris was the perfect catch-and-shoot player for the Brooklyn Nets, as he created an option outside of the big three. The idea was to give him the ball, as there was a likelihood that he would open when one of Durant, Harden or Kyrie Irving was double-teamed.
The strategy worked great in the regular season and in the first-round series against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, Harris lost his touch heading into the series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Harris looked like he was returning to his groove early in the game as he knocked down a shot to open his scoring. However, he failed to keep up with that start as he finished the game with ten points, going 3 of 9 from beyond the arc.
#3 The Milwaukee Bucks bench outclassed the Brooklyn Nets'
Overreliance on their starting lineup hurt the Brooklyn Nets in this series. That was evident in Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks as the Nets bowed out of the 2021 NBA playoffs. Although the Nets' bench had limited minutes, they failed to make any significant contribution when they were called upon.
Jeff Green and Landry Shamet played for a combined 20 minutes but registered no points in the game. Kevin Durant and James Harden both played for 53 minutes apiece, despite Harden nursing a hamstring strain. Although Durant recorded another heroic performance for the Brooklyn Nets, his supporting cast did not match his intensity, as most of them looked fagged out.
The Milwaukee Bucks' bench also had limited time, with only three players given a chance. However, they combined for nine points and five rebounds.
#4 The Brooklyn Nets could not contain Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo kept the Milwaukee Bucks alive in Game 7, and his aggressive play played a huge role in his team's win. His speed, strength and length posed a serious challenge for the Brooklyn Nets.
Antetokounmpo recorded 40 points despite looking exasperated early in the game. In a post-game comment, he concurred that it was one of the most exhausting series he has featured in.
Nevertheless, he stayed efficient with a 0.625 field goal percentage. Surprisingly, he shot as good as Joe Harris in the game, ending with 33% from the 3-point range.
#5 James Harden failed to redeem himself in the playoffs
James Harden has come under scrutiny for years because he tends to lose his range in the NBA playoffs. He showed the same ineffectiveness against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7, as the bulk of his points came from the free-throw line.
Harden attempted 12 3-point shots but only converted two. Although the argument could be made that he is still recovering from his hamstring strain, Harden's poor shooting hurt the Brooklyn Nets in the pivotal Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
One area where he performed superbly was in creating open looks for his teammates. He finished the game with 22 points, nine assists and nine rebounds while also putting in a decent shift in defense. He was also great in drawing contact, converting all ten attempts at the charity stripe.
Guess the Lakers players!
